British footwear specialist QUOC is again with a pointy new addition to its rising highway vary, they usually introduced a bit world firepower alongside for the experience. Co-developed with none aside from Geraint Thomas, the M3 Professional is QUOC’s new flagship highway shoe—and after many miles in them, I can safely say: this one’s a looker that backs it up with legit efficiency.
The G Shoe
First noticed again at Volta ao Algarve when G was noticed rocking an unfamiliar QUOC prototype—spoiler alert, it was the M3 Air. Quick ahead a yr, and the M3 Professional drops as a refined evolution of that shoe, tweaked to outlive brutal professional mileage (plus the East Coast spring) and nonetheless wash as much as look photo-shoot-ready.
However that’s not all; the brand new M3 Professional drops alongside the extra price-palatable M3 Sport. The M3 Professional dethrones the M3 Air (extra of a light-weight summer season shoe, IMO), and claims the highest of the rostrum of QUOC’s lineup—and it exhibits. If gravel, cross nation, or off-road is extra your jam, it’s worthwhile to take a peek on the new QUOC x MAAP collaboration.
What’s New?
From a distance, the M3 Professional seems practically an identical to the M3 Air—and that’s not unhealthy. That very same clear, race-ready silhouette stays, however the updates are delicate and sensible. Most noticeably, the mesh air flow zones of the M3 Air are gone, swapped for a shiny TPU higher that feels extra sturdy and is means simpler to wash after a winter coaching block or dusty crit.
This can be a response to real-world professional use—as a result of, let’s face it, holding white footwear clear if you experience 25+ hours per week is a battle of attrition. Plus, the uncovered stitching and mesh appeared to tackle dust alarmingly quick. That new TPU higher shrugs off scuffs, wipes down simply, and retains the general look good and sharp, because of coated and bonded stitching and fewer mesh paneling.
The remainder of the bundle follows the QUOC system: the identical carbon sole, the identical final, twin dials, and three-bolt compatibility. Even the heel and toe bumpers carry over. You’ll really feel at dwelling right here for those who’ve ridden the M3 Air.
QUOC M3 Sequence Weight:
- QUOC M3 Professional: 253g
- QUOC M3 Sport: 235g
- QUOC M3 Air: 237g
All Measurement 42.5*
Match & Really feel
Getting into the M3 Professional seems like slipping on a really agency, very quick slipper. QUOC’s shaping philosophy is low-volume and modern, which I often don’t love, however these really feel good. When you have extensive toes, although, you may need to take a look at first—these footwear aren’t remarkably roomy, particularly throughout the forefoot.
The Professional’s toe field feels only a contact roomier than the M3 Air’s. The brand new TPU higher is extra forgiving and fewer structured than the matte materials used on the Air, which could assist people with mid-volume toes discover a higher match.
The included stick-on arch inserts are a pleasant bonus, although they’re a bit one-and-done after a couple of rides. Most riders are critical sufficient for a $430 shoe, they usually in all probability have customized insoles anyway, but it surely’s a considerate contact.
The heel cup doesn’t provide nice heel retention. There isn’t an inner gripper like others, which we famous within the Air’s heel. Some gripper of kinds would go a great distance; the leather-like materials used slips barely, but it surely isn’t a giant downside on the bike when firmly snugged down.
On the Street
Stiffness? No drawback. The carbon sole means enterprise and feels strong underneath energy—it’s the identical because the M3 Air. Out of the saddle, they reply quick—no flex, no squish, no energy misplaced. Sprinting, climbing, lengthy seated drags—it’s all good right here.
I did discover a minor rub level on the highest of the shoe (just like the Specialised S-Works 7 footwear), but it surely disappears when you’re clipped in. The closure dials aren’t fairly as micro-adjustable as BOA’s top-tier choices, and that is notable for those who’re switching from a BOA mannequin shoe. Nonetheless, they’re no much less safe. It jogged my memory barely of going to and from North Wave footwear.
What shines, although, is the experience really feel. It’s mild, planted, and invisible in your foot—every thing you need in a pro-level shoe. The final and general match is trendy, and the form is foot-shaped and doesn’t come to some extent like some footwear. And sure, they clear up properly, particularly for a white shoe. Only a fast wipe, they usually’re prepared for podium photographs.
What In regards to the M3 Sport?
I’ve some miles within the M3 Sports activities, they usually really feel simply as good (and they’re lighter!). For $270, these footwear are a loopy deal. They’re simply as comfy because the M3 Professional; in truth, it was laborious to inform the distinction. It has the identical sole and final, only a softer PU higher and a padded tongue. It gives extra consolation and fewer race-rigidity. It’s a strong possibility if you would like QUOC’s design DNA with out the top-tier value.
Fashion Factors
Aesthetically, the M3 Professional nails it. The branding is adequately subtle to say, “I do know what’s up,” with out screaming. White is the one launch shade, which received’t be for everybody, but it surely’s a agency flex for those who can maintain them clear (or now, simply wipe them off).
Last Ideas
At $430 / €380 / £320, the QUOC M3 Professional is priced alongside (or decrease for those who take into account the brand new Specialised Ares 2) different flagship highway footwear and earns its place. It’s a refined, cleanly executed replace to an already glorious platform, with actual professional enter and sensible enhancements. This can be a killer possibility for those who’re racing, coaching laborious, or simply need your footwear to look box-fresh after each experience. I do want they got here outfitted with the favored Li2 BOA dials, however you’ll be able to’t have all of it.
Should you’re in search of all of the above however on a price range, try the M3 Sport. It has all of the hype of the M3 Professional with out the worth tag – $270 / €237 / £204
QUOC continues to impress with its considerate design and dedication to real-world efficiency. The M3 Professional received’t reinvent the wheel, but it surely may simply be your subsequent favourite highway shoe—particularly for those who’re chasing that world tour look with all-day consolation to match.